Midwest Manufacturing News • February 2016 • Productivity With Flexibility

The INDEX MS32C2 multi-spindle lathe and its custom configuration with up to 12 CNC cross-slides, Y-axes, a synchronous spindle and other options allow highly efficient production of bar and chucked parts.

Chucked parts can be machined up to a blank diameter of approximately 60 mm. The INDEX machine features a tool carrier arrangement in the work area without a longitudinal sliding block, which allows more than one tool to be used on each spindle. The generously dimensioned work area can be optimally accessed through two sliding doors on the side.

An advantageous slide arrangement provides unhindered chip flow and improved process reliability. The core of the machine is the compact spindle drum with six fluid-cooled motor spindles in synchronous design. Additional characteristics of the machine include infinitely variable speed control, high torque, small frame size and maintenance-free operation.

The INDEX modular system allows customer-specific configuration of up to 12 hydrostatic bearing-supported CNC cross-slides, Y-axes, a synchronous spindle and numerous stationary and live tools for machining the front and rear ends of workpieces. The front open machine concept and the Vshaped arrangement of the tool carriers help ensure that the optimum technological sequence alone determines the machining method. Thus, for example, external and internal machining operations using stationary or live tools can be carried out in every station.

"The familiar proven advantages of the INDEX CNC multi-spindle machines, such as the use of hollow-shaft motor technology in all work spindles and the optimum selection of cutting data via the CNC program, were carried over into the development of the MS32C2," said a company spokesperson. During machining, it is always possible to program the optimum speed, which can still be varied during cutting, for each spindle position and each cutting edge of the tool. "The result is optimum chipping, maximum surface quality, short production times per piece and extended tool life," said the spokesperson. "Users can also machine troublesome materials that up to now were hardly suitable for multi-spindle machines. It is also possible to make speed changes during drum indexing, thus avoiding any additional secondary processing times. The C-axes available in all spindle positions also permit complete machining of intricate workpieces in minimum time. The optionally available Y-axes expand the range of machinable workpieces even more."

To machine chucked parts, the MS32C2 may be used for automatic loading due to its generous work area without a longitudinal slide block. The optionally built-in robot with a single, double or quadruple gripper in the work area handles the loading and unloading of workpieces. The 110 mm chuck allows machining of pre-formed, forged or extruded parts up to approximately 60 mm.

A main advantage of the INDEX MS32C2 is its flexibility. The machine allows configuration of various tools on the cross-slides and, thus, integration of numerous machining technologies: off-center drilling, thread cutting, inclined drilling, cross drilling, contour milling, hobbing, multi-edge turning and more. "The MS32C2 delivers impressive cost effectiveness not just for medium and large batch sizes; for component families, in particular, it plays to its strengths with its ease of reequipping," said the spokesperson.

KS, W. MO Gage Machine Tool 10668 Widmer Rd. Lenexa, KS 66215 913-894-1233 www.gagemachinetool.com